Melrose Abbey

Melrose Abbey was founded in 1136 by King David I as the first Cistercian monastery in Scotland; the monks came from Rievaulx in Yorkshire and settled on the River Tweed. Because of its position near the border, the abbey was attacked several times by English troops, in 1385 under Richard II so severely that the church had to be rebuilt. The ruins seen today date mostly from this rebuilding. Among the carved details is the pig playing the bagpipes on the stonework. The heart of Robert the Bruce (died 1329) was buried here, while his body lies at Dunfermline.

In the Commendator’s House, a museum displays finds from the cloister. An audio guide is included in the admission price. Allow about two hours for the abbey, grounds and museum. A pay-and-display car park lies about 75 m away, with limited on-street parking as well. Some areas have restricted access because of conservation work (as of October 2026); booking tickets in advance is recommended.